Telescopic support device for furniture

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a telescopic support device for furniture, the device comprising;
         at least three profile parts including a central profile part, a first profile part adjacent to the central profile part and a second profile part adjacent to the central profile part and opposite the first profile part, wherein said at least three profile parts are telescopically moveable with respect to each other,   a motor unit mounted with the central profile part such that the motor unit moves in unity with the central profile part, wherein the motor unit is in driving engagement with the first profile part.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a telescopic support device for furniture. The device comprising at least three profile parts including a central profile part, an upper and a lower profile part adjacent to the central profile part on opposite sides thereof. The at least three profile parts are telescopically moveable with respect to each other.

Such a telescopic support device for furniture is known from EP1517626A1 to ACTIFORCE B.V.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims telescopic support device for furniture that is more effective in terms of output power and required space for installation.

Another object of the invention is to improve a known telescopic support device for furniture in that a problem associated therewith is at least partly solved.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an alternative telescopic support device for furniture.

According to a first aspect of the invention this is realized with a telescopic support device for furniture, the device comprising;

at least three profile parts including a central profile part, a first profile part adjacent to the central profile part and a second profile part adjacent to the central profile part and opposite the first profile part, wherein said at least three profile parts are telescopically moveable with respect to each other,

a motor unit mounted with the central profile part such that the motor unit moves in unity with the central profile part, wherein the motor unit is in driving engagement with the first profile part,

a coupling system for coupling the first and second profile part such that the second profile part is driven with respect to the central profile part when the motor unit drives the central profile part with respect to the first profile part.

The motor unit being mounted with the central profile part allows a compact telescopic support device because the motor unit is in driving engagement with the first profile part and the coupling system extends mainly in the central profile part.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the coupling system comprises a flexible driving member with which the relative displacement of the first and second profile parts can be realized. The flexible driving member even more allows for a compact telescopic support device.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the coupling system comprises a return pulley coupled with the central profile part, wherein the flexible driving member extends around the return pulley, and wherein one section of the flexible driving member is coupled with the first profile part and another section of the flexible driving member beyond the return pulley is coupled with the second profile part.

The return pulley enables to evenly extend or retract the telescopically arranged central, first and second profile parts. This results in a maximal stroke of the telescopic support device while mechanical guidance of the profile parts is maintained.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the coupling system comprises a further return pulley coupled with the central profile part and arranged opposite the said return pulley, wherein the flexible driving member extends around and is tensioned between both the return pulley and the further return pulley.

The presence of the further return pulley, and the return pulley and the further return pulley both coupled, that is mounted, with the central profile part, allows for easy tensioning of the flexible driving member. The tensioned flexible driving member allows for more controllable extension and retraction of the telescopic support device.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the flexible driving member of the coupling system is endless. This allows for an easy installation of the driving member. In addition, such an endless flexible driving member is easier to prestress. The flexible driving member of the coupling system may be endless in itself or made endless by coupling ends of the flexible driving member.

As an option, the flexible driving member may comprise one or more from a cable, snare, chain, belt, and steel wire.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the first profile part is provided with a gear rack, and the motor unit is in driving engagement with the first profile part through the gear rack. In particular the gear rack may comprise a spur toothing.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the motor unit comprises a worm gear. This worm gear facilitates the self-locking properties of the telescopic support device.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the gear rack is freestanding. The gear rack being freestanding enables to use cylindrical profile parts having a closed circumference. This improves strength of the telescopic support device. In particular, the gear rack extends towards the central profile part. This assures that the gear rack maintains driving engagement with the motor unit. A freestanding end of the gear rack is constrained by the central profile part.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the coupling system extends in a longitudinal direction of the telescopic support device and between the gear rack and the motor unit. This all the more allows for a compact telescopic support device.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, the at least three profile parts have a cylindrical configuration in order to form a housing. This improves strength of the telescopic support device. In particular, the at least three profile parts have a square cross section.

In an embodiment of the telescopic support device, further comprising an electrical connection system for connecting the motor unit to a power supply. In particular, the electrical connection system extends through the first and/or second profile part towards the central profile part. Therefore, the electrical connection system extends in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic support device and, as an option, opposite the gear rack. The electrical connection system may comprise a curl cable or any other suitable means.

The invention further relates to a driving system for furniture, comprising a number of telescopic support devices according to the invention, and a control unit coupled with all of the number of telescopic support devices to drive the motor units in an even manner.

The invention further relates to furniture comprising a driving system according to the invention, for maintaining a horizontal position of a supporting surface while adjusting the height position of the supporting surface.

The invention further relates to a method for assembling a telescopic support device according to the invention, the method comprising;

-   -   assembling the motor unit, coupling system and gear rack to form         a drive unit and then,     -   mounting the drive unit as a whole within an interior of the         least three telescopically profile parts.

The invention further relates to a device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The invention further relates to a method comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantageous advantages.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further elucidated referring to a preferred embodiment shown in the schematic drawings wherein shown in:

FIG. 1 in cross sectional side view a telescopic support device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a detail of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 a different side views of the device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 a piece of furniture comprising two telescopic support devices of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the FIG. 1 a telescopic support device 1 according to the invention is shown. The telescopic support device 1 comprises three profile parts 2, 3, 4 including a central profile part 3, a first profile part 2 and a second profile part 4. The first profile part 2 and the second profile part 4 are arranged adjacent to the central profile part and at opposite sides of the central profile part. The three profile parts are telescopically moveable with respect to each other, as is known per se. Here, the three profile parts 2, 3, 4 are guided with respect to each other by sliding blocks 19, 20 to provide adjustment without play in the direction transverse with respect to the height adjustment. The three profile parts have a cylindrical configuration in order to provide a housing in order to form a closed whole. Here, the three profile parts have a square cross section. The telescopic support device 1 can have any desired cross section however a common cross section of the, outermost, first profile part 2 is 90 mm×60 mm. The length adjustment range of the telescopic support device 1 of the invention is between 400 mm and 1500 mm.

The telescopic support device 1 comprises a motor unit 5 for driving the telescopic support device 1 between a retracted and an extended position. The motor unit 5 is mounted with the central profile part 2. Therefore the motor unit 5 moves in unity with the central profile part 2. The motor unit 5 is mounted with the central profile part 2 through a mounting plate 14 which can be seen in FIG. 3. The motor unit 5 is in driving engagement with the first profile part 2. Therefore, the motor unit 5 is coupled with the central profile part 3 at one end of the central profile part 3 which one end faces the gear rack 10 that is in this case facing the first profile part 2. It will be understood that the motor unit 5 drives the telescopic support device 1 and therefore all of the three profile parts in a direct or indirect manner. However, the motor unit 5 is in driving engagement with the first profile part 2 in a direct manner.

The telescopic support device 1 comprises a coupling system 6 for coupling the first 2 and second 4 profile part. The coupling system 6 is coupled with the central profile part 3 and moves in unity therewith. The first 2 and second 4 profile part are coupled by the coupling system 6 such that the second profile part 4 is driven with respect to the central profile part 3 when the motor unit 5 drives the central profile part 3 with respect to the first profile part 2. The coupling system 6 comprises a flexible driving member 7 with which the relative displacement of the first 2 and second 4 profile parts can be realized. In this case the flexible driving member 7 is a steel cable where for example a snare, chain, belt, and steel wire are conceivable as well. The coupling system 6 comprises a return pulley 8 that is coupled with the central profile part 3. The flexible driving member 7 extends around the return pulley 8. One section 8 a of the flexible driving member 7 is coupled with the first profile part 2. Another section 8 b of the flexible driving member, which section is beyond the return pulley 8 and opposite the one section 8 a, is coupled with the second profile part 4. The one section 8 a of the flexible driving member 7 is coupled with the first profile part 2 through the gear rack 10. The one section 8 a of the flexible driving member 7 is coupled with the gear rack 10 at the free end of the gear rack 10. The one section 8 a of the flexible driving member 7 is coupled with the gear rack 10 through coupling means 15. The other section 8 b of the flexible driving member is coupled with the second, most inner, profile part 4. The other section 8 b of the flexible driving member is coupled with the second profile part 4 through coupling means 17. In this case, the coupling system 6 comprises a further return pulley 9. The further return pulley 9 is as well coupled with the central profile part 3. The further return pulley 9 is arranged opposite the one return pulley 8. The flexible driving member 7 extends around and is tensioned between both the return pulley 8 and the further return pulley 9. The return pulley 8 and the further return pulley 9 are mounted with a pulley mounting member 24 which spaces the return pulley 8 and the further return pulley 9 and aids in prestressing the flexible driving member 7. The pulley mounting member 24 is coupled with one of its ends with the central profile part 3. The pulley mounting member 24 is coupled with the central profile part 3 at one end of the central profile part 3 which one end faces the gear rack 10 that is in this case facing the first profile part 2. Thus both the motor unit 5 and the coupling system are coupled with the central profile part 3 at one end of the central profile part 3 which one end faces the gear rack 10. The flexible driving member 7 is endless. I will be apparent that the flexible driving member 7 can be made “endless” by coupling both ends through a coupling piece 15 with the first profile part 2, as an example.

The first profile part 2 is provided with a gear rack 10. The motor unit 5 is in driving engagement with the first profile part 2 through the gear rack 10. Here, the gear rack 10 comprises a spur toothing 11 however any other suitable toothing is conceivable. The motor unit 5 comprises a worm gear 12. The worm gear 12 may directly drive a drive gear 16 or as an alternative drive the drive gear 16 indirect through a transmission.

As can be best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gear rack 10 is freestanding. This means that, when the telescopic support device 1 is in retracted position, the central profile part 3 extends between the first profile part 2 and the gear rack 10. The gear rack 10 extends from the first profile part 2 towards the central profile part 3. One end of the gear rack 10 is mounted with the first profile part 2. The one end of the gear rack 10 is mounted with the first profile part 2 through mounting means 21. The free end, which is the end opposite the mounted one end, of the gear rack 10 is constrained by the central profile part 3, here by confining the free end of the gear rack 10 between the drive gear 16 and a wall of the central profile part 3 as shown in FIG. 2. The free end of the gear rack 10 is constrained by the central profile part 3 through a spacer member 18. The spacer member 18 is coupled with the motor unit 5 and is therefore always opposite the drive gear 16. The free end of the gear rack 10 is therefore constraint between the gear rack 16 and the spacer member 18.

The coupling system 6 extends in a longitudinal direction 13 of the telescopic support device 1. The coupling system 6 extends between the gear rack 10 and the motor unit 5.

The telescopic support device 1 comprises an electrical connection system (not shown) for connecting the motor unit 5 to a power supply (not shown). The electrical connection system extends through the first 2 and/or second 4 profile part towards the central profile part 3. The electrical connection system extends in the longitudinal direction 13 of the telescopic support device 1. The electrical connection system extends opposite the gear rack 10. The electrical connection system comprises a curl cable.

FIG. 4 shows a piece of furniture 22 comprising a driving system having two telescopic support devices 1. The driving system for furniture, has a control unit 23 coupled with all of the number of telescopic support devices 1 to drive the motor units in an even manner. A horizontal orientation of a supporting surface is maintained while adjusting the height position of the supporting surface.

It will also be obvious after the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person which are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and which are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent. 

1. Telescopic support device comprising; at least three profile parts including a central profile part, a first profile part adjacent to the central profile part and a second profile part adjacent to the central profile part and opposite the first profile part, wherein said at least three profile parts are telescopically moveable with respect to each other, a motor unit mounted with the central profile part such that the motor unit moves in unity with the central profile part, wherein the motor unit is in driving engagement with the first profile part, a coupling system for coupling the first and second profile part such that the second profile part is driven with respect to the central profile part when the motor unit drives the central profile part with respect to the first profile part.
 2. Telescopic support device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling system comprises a flexible driving member with which the relative displacement of the first and second profile parts can be realized.
 3. Telescopic support device according to claim 2, wherein the coupling system comprises a return pulley coupled with the central profile part, wherein the flexible driving member extends around the return pulley, and wherein one section of the flexible driving member is coupled with the first profile part and another section of the flexible driving member beyond the return pulley is coupled with the second profile part.
 4. Telescopic support device according to claim 3, wherein the coupling system comprises a further return pulley coupled with the central profile part and arranged opposite the said return pulley, wherein the flexible driving member extends around and is tensioned between both the return pulley and the further return pulley.
 5. Telescopic support device according to claim 4, wherein the flexible driving member is endless.
 6. Telescopic support device according to claim 2, wherein the flexible driving member comprises one or more from a cable, snare, chain, belt, and steel wire.
 7. Telescopic support device according to claim 1, the first profile part is provided with a gear rack, and the motor unit is in driving engagement with the first profile part through the gear rack.
 8. Telescopic support device according to claim 7, wherein the gear rack comprises a spur toothing.
 9. Telescopic support device according to claim 1, wherein the motor unit comprises a worm gear.
 10. Telescopic support device according to claim 7, wherein the gear rack is freestanding.
 11. Telescopic support device according to claim 10, wherein the gear rack extends towards the central profile part, and a freestanding end of the gear rack is constrained by the central profile part.
 12. Telescopic support device according to claim 7, wherein the coupling system extends in a longitudinal direction of the telescopic support device and between the gear rack and the motor unit.
 13. Telescopic support device according to claim 1, wherein the at least three profile parts have a cylindrical configuration in order to form a housing.
 14. Telescopic support device according to claim 13, wherein the at least three profile parts have a square cross section.
 15. Telescopic support device according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical connection system for connecting the motor unit to a power supply.
 16. Telescopic support device according to claim 15, wherein the electrical connection system extends through the first and/or second profile part towards the central profile part.
 17. Telescopic support device according to claim 15, wherein the electrical connection system extends in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic support device and opposite the gear rack.
 18. Telescopic support device according to claim 15, wherein the electrical connection system comprises a curl cable.
 19. Driving system for furniture, comprising a number of telescopic support devices according to claim 1, and a control unit coupled with all of the number of telescopic support devices to drive the motor units in an even manner.
 20. (canceled)
 21. Method for assembling a telescopic support device according to a preceding claim, the method comprising; assembling the motor unit, coupling system and gear rack to form a drive unit and then, mount the drive unit as a whole within an interior of the least three telescopically profile parts. 